ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment 
Mission Mode Cataract Surgery campaign  was launched Under National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment 
83,44,824 cataract surgeries done against a target of 75,00,000 cataract surgery for the FY 2022-23
Under National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment , a Mission Mode Cataract Surgery campaign  was launched  to clear backlog of eligible cataract cases by allotting yearly targets to each State and Union Territory. For the FY-2022-23, a target of 75,00,000 cataract surgery was kept against which 83,44,824 cataract surgeries were done. This drive is a major step taken to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness to 0.25% by 2025.
The funds approved in State Programme Implementation Plan  under NPCBVI for states of Telangana from FY 2015 -16 to 2022-23 is placed at Annexure-I.
Regular IEC activities/ awareness drives are part of NPCBVI program. In addition, major IEC activities are undertaken yearly on World Glaucoma Week, Eye Donation Fortnight and World Sight day throughout the country. These events highlight the need of healthy life style for prevention of avoidable blindness.
Annexure-1
SPIP Approvals for National Program for Control of Blindness and Vision Impairment to the State of Telangana from FY 2015-16 to FY 2022-23

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|
Financial Year
|
|
Amount
|
|
2015-16
|
|
1,520.00
|
|
2016-17
|
|
770.01
|
|
2017-18
|
|
1,447.45
|
|
2018-19
|
|
5,258.50
|
|
2019-20
|
|
1347.00
|
|
2020-21
|
|
1,757.64
|
|
2021-22
|
|
1,125.70
|
|
2022-23
|
|
1,993.50
Note:
- The above is as per FMR as submitted by the state and is provisional.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. SP Singh Baghel, stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya on his birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“अद्वैत वेदांत के सूत्रधार और भारतीय संस्कृति के पुनर्जागरण के प्रणेता जगद्गुरु आदि शंकराचार्य जी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। उनके आध्यात्मिक संदेशों में एक भारत-श्रेष्ठ भारत की भावना समाहित है, जो युग-युगांतर तक देशवासियों की प्रेरणाशक्ति बनी रहेगी।”
Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar holds bilateral meetings with delegations from Zimbabwe & Maldives on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022
Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar conducted bilateral meetings with delegations from Zimbabwe and Maldives on October 20, 2022 on the sidelines of 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. A Zimbabwe delegation led by Amb. Mark Grey Marongwe, Secretary for Defence and War Veterans Affairs, met the Defence Secretary. Bilateral defence cooperation issues were discussed, particularly in the field of training and defence industry.
The Defence Secretary later met a Maldivian delegation led by Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi, Minister of Defence, Maldives, accompanied by Maj Gen Abdullah Shamaal, Chief of Defence Force. A number of ongoing key defence cooperation issues were deliberated. They explored areas for future defence and defence industrial collaboration, including joint training and capability building.
Ministry of Defence
Joint Press Release of the 16th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting
The 16th round India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 17th July 2022.
Building on the progress made at the last meeting on 11th March 2022, the two sides continued discussions for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in a constructive and forward looking manner. They had a frank and in-depth exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. The two sides reaffirmed that the resolution of remaining issues would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations.
In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
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SC/RSY/GKA
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers  – October, 2021
The Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index is compiled for 88 centres and All-India and is released on the last working day of succeeding month. The index for the month of October, 2021 is being released in this press release.
The All-India CPI-IW for October, 2021 increased by 1.6 points and stood at 124.9 . On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 1.30 per cent with respect to previous month compared to an increase of 1.19 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago.
The maximum upward pressure in current index came from Food & Beverages group contributing 1.31 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Mustard Oil, Tomato, Onion, Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lady’s Finger, Peas, Potato, Cooking Gas, Petrol for Vehicle, etc. are responsible for the rise in index. However, this increase was largely checked by Moong Dal, Fish Fresh, Apple, Grapes, Orange, Ginger, etc. putting downward pressure on the index.
Shri D.P.S.Negi, Principal Labour & Employment Advisor & Chief Labour Commissioner informed that at centre level, Udham Singh Nagar recorded a maximum increase of 5.8 points followed by Ramgarh and Biswanath-Chariali with 4.6 points and 4.0 points respectively. Among others, 5 centres observed an increase between 3 to 3.9 points, 22 centres between 2 to 2.9 points, 39 centres between 1 to 1.9 points and 16 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. On the contrary, Ludhiana recorded a maximum decrease of 0.3 points followed by Idukki and Darjeeling with 0.2 points each.
Year-on-year inflation for the month stood at 4.50 per cent compared to 4.41 per cent for the previous month and 5.91 per cent during the corresponding month a year before. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 2.20 per cent against 2.26 per cent of the previous month and 8.21 per cent during the corresponding month a year ago.
Y-o-Y Inflation based on CPI-IW 
All-India Group-wise CPI-IW for September and October, 2021
|
|
Sr. No.
|
|
Groups
|
|
September, 2021
|
|
October, 2021
|
|
I
|
|
Food & Beverages
|
|
122.4
|
|
125.7
|
|
II
|
|
Pan, Supari, Tobacco & Intoxicants
|
|
140.8
|
|
141.1
|
|
III
|
|
Clothing & Footwear
|
|
121.5
|
|
121.5
|
|
IV
|
|
Housing
|
|
116.8
|
|
116.8
|
|
V
|
|
Fuel & Light
|
|
156.9
|
|
158.3
|
|
VI
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
121.7
|
|
122.3
|
|
|
|
General Index
|
|
123.3
|
|
124.9
CPI-IW: Groups Indices
The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of November, 2021 will be released on Friday, 31st December, 2021.
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Meeting of Government with Leaders of Political Parties held today; 37 Leaders of 27 Parties including Union Ministers Participated
Shri Pralhad Joshi says, Session will provide a total of 27 sittings  spread over a period of 66 days
A meeting has been held under the Chairmanship of Shri Raj Nath Singh, Union Minister of Defence with Leaders of political parties on 30th January, 2023 in Parliament House Complex, New Delhi to discuss issues relating to ensuing Budget Session of Parliament, 2023. The meeting was called by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry; Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minster of Textiles and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha; Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal,Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, Shri V. Muraleedharan, Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs and External Affairs were attended the meeting. 37 Leaders from 27 political parties out of total 46 political parties in Parliament were present in the meeting.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs informed the leaders that the Budget Session, 2023 of Parliament will commence on Tuesday the 31st January, 2023 and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the session may conclude on Thursday, the 6th April, 2023. During this period, both the Houses will be adjourned for recess on Monday, the 13th of February, 2023 to reassemble on Monday, the 13th of March, 2023 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various Ministries/Departments and make their Reports thereon. The Session will provide a total of 27 sittings  spread over a period of 66 days.
Shri Joshi further stated that Session will mainly be devoted to the Financial Business relating to Union Budget for 2023-24 and discussion on the Motion of Thanks on President’s address. However, essential Legislative and other Business will also be taken up during the Session.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs also stated that the Government is prepared and ready to discuss any other important issue on the floors of the Houses. Leaders of different political parties expressed their views on various issues likely to be raised by them during the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament and assured the Government to provide full co-operation for peaceful conduct of Proceedings of the Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session, 2023 of Parliament.
Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Defence, after listening to the points raised by the leaders of all parties attending, thanked the leaders for their active and effective participation in the meeting and also expressed his appreciation that the discussions had been very healthy and that the important issues have been flagged.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Steps taken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat  strategy
As per fifth round of NHFS, the prevalence of anaemia among women age 15-49 reduced to 57.0 percent  as compared to 53.1 percent in NFHS-4, 
The Government of India implements Anaemia Mukt Bharat  strategy under POSHAN Abhiyaan with the target for reducing anaemia in the six population groups - Children , Children , Adolescents girls and boys , Pregnant women, Lactating women and Women of Reproductive Age  group  in life cycle approach. Some of the major interventions by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  to address anaemia under AMB include:
- Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation.
- Deworming.
- Intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication  Campaign and delayed cord clamping.
- Testing of anaemia using digital methods and point of care treatment.
- Addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
- Convergence and coordination with line department and other ministries.
- Engaging National Centre of Excellence and Advanced research on Anaemia Control for capacity building of health care providers.
- Monitoring progress in States/UTs using Anaemia Mukt Bharat Dashboard.
As per the fifth round of National Family Health Survey , conducted by MoHFW during the year 2019-21, the prevalence of anaemia among women age 15-49 is 57.0 percent as compared to 53.1 percent in NFHS-4, . However, thirteen  States/UTs namely Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, NCT of Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have reported decline in prevalence of anaemia among women age 15-49 in NFHS-5 as compared to NFHS-4.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM performs Darshan and Pooja at Dagdusheth Mandir in Pune, Maharashtra
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performed Darshan and Pooja at Dagdusheth Mandir in Pune, Maharashtra today.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
“Feeling blessed to pray at the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir in Pune. 🙏🏼”
Ministry of Defence
WNC NAVY HALF MARATHON TO BE HELD ON 20 NOV 22
Theme : “Clean Coasts and clean seas make healthy lives”
The IndianOil WNC Navy Half Marathon – 2022  will be held on Sunday, 20 November 2022 at Azad Maidan Mumbai as part of the activities commemorating the Navy Day. Since the inaugural edition in 2016, the WNC Navy Half Marathon has grown in scope and scale to become the 5th largest running event in India and 2nd largest running event in Mumbai. This year, the event is poised to continue on its journey of becoming “Bigger, Better and Stronger” and scale newer heights. The race will be conducted in three categories viz. Aircraft Carrier Run , Destroyer Run  and Frigate Run . As a build up towards the event and to increase awareness towards fitness and distance running, the Race Expo was held from 11-13 Nov 22 at Colaba.
The Expo received overwhelming and unprecedented response. Attractions at the Expo venue included live sessions from various experts on preparation for the race and medical aspects, selfies with medals, discounted sports products from reputed brands, souvenirs of the event, etc. The number of participants have grown since the inaugural race held in 2016. This year, registrations for the race have surpassed previous editions, with more than 15000 participants. The maximum registrations of more than 10000 are in 21K and 10K categories, indicating that a larger number of serious and enthusiastic runners participating in the event. The AIMS certified course and first-time affiliation of event with prestigious Athletics Federation of India  will qualify participants for most other reputed national and international races. All registered participants have also been given an e-booklet providing details of the run and important tips towards preparation for it. In view of large interest generated, ‘Only Thrill, No Frills’ type limited number of registration were also opened on 14 Nov 22 for running enthusiasts who missed out on registering for the event in time.
The run is scheduled to be flagged off from Azad Maidan, near CST Terminal, and will cover the entire length of iconic ‘Marine Drive’ towards Haji Ali, all along the sea coast, with a message of “Clean Coasts and clean seas make healthy lives”. The Indian Navy has initiated several measures to make this a Green Race, few of these being mandatory online registrations and 100% recyclable paper cups, branding material and even the refreshment packaging. This is the first mega race in Mumbai in the post-pandemic period and the excitement generated amongst all the Mumbaikars is palpable. The gigantic event has been fully supported by Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai Police, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Department of Youth, multiple partners and numerous volunteers.
All participants and those waiting to cheer the participants now eagerly await the D-day of 20 Nov 22.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Production Incentive Scheme  for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing. The scheme proposes production linked incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components including Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging  units.
The Scheme shall extend an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales  of goods manufactured in India and covered under target segments, to eligible companies, for a period of five  years subsequent to the base year as defined.
The proposed scheme is likely to benefit 5-6 major global players and few domestic champions, in the field of mobile manufacturing and Specified Electronics Components and bring in large scale electronics manufacturing in India.
Financial Implications
The total cost of the proposed scheme is approximately INR 40,995 crore  which includes an incentive outlay of approximately INR 40,951 crore  and administrative expenses to the tune of INR 44 crore .
Benefits
The scheme has a direct employment generation potential of over 2,00,000 jobs over 5 years. However, it is expected that the scheme would lead to large scale electronics manufacturing in the country and open tremendous employment opportunities. Indirect employment will be about 3 times of direct employment as per industry estimates. Thus, total employment potential of the scheme is approximately 8,00,000.
Background
The production of mobile phones in the country has gone up significantly from around INR 18,900 crore  in 2014-15 to INR 1,70,000 crore  in 2018-19 and the domestic demand is almost completely being met out of domestic production.
By integrating “Assemble in India for the world” into “Make in India”, India can significantly increase manufacturing output.
Electronic components are the basic building blocks for electronics manufacturing. According to the Electronic Industries Association of India , the electronic components market in India has increased from INR 68,342 crore  in 2015-16 to INR 1,31,832 crore  in 2018-19. Domestic production of electronic components is valued at approximately INR 63, 380 crore , of which around INR 48,803 crore  is domestically consumed.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Restoring and Conserving Nature
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as per the mandate of Convention on Biological Diversity , encourages ex-situ conservation of Rare Endangered Threatened  species and endemic plants through botanic gardens, protected areas and biosphere reserves. Financial assistance for conservation is extended by the Ministry under various schemes such as Assistance to Botanic Garden  scheme, Project Tiger scheme and Environment Education, Awareness and Training  scheme. Under EEAT scheme, Eco-clubs in schools and colleges are supported to promote environmental awareness and mobilize students’ participation for environment conservation. Also, the Central Zoo Authority has flagged off the outreach campaign on 12th March, 2021 entitled 'Conservation to Co-existence: the people connect' which is a 75-week long initiative where 75 conservation priority species and 75 zoos across India are highlighted .
As per information provided by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research , the research at ICAR has been re-oriented in farmers’ participatory mode and developing location specific, cost effective, eco-friendly, and socially acceptable scientific farming practices keeping in view the farmers’ resource availability, traditional indigenous technology knowhow and grass root farm innovations. ICAR has developed technologies for efficient soil health management, agricultural water management, watershed management, enhancement of nutrient and water use efficiency, resource conservation, crop diversification, integrated farming system including agroforestry, dryland farming, arid, coastal and hill agriculture, climate resilient agriculture, etc. Organic farming package of practices for 62 crops/cropping systems have also been developed. Under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture ,climate resilient technologies, namely, drought tolerant short duration varieties, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, soil & water conservation measures etc. have been demonstrated in 151 most vulnerable districts in the country to minimize vulnerability against climate change. Agricultural Contingent Plans for 650 districts have also been prepared to cope up with any climatic adversities. Further, benefits of successful research are popularized among the farmers throughout the country through training and Front Line Demonstrations .
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM extends best wishes on Happy Losar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Losar.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Best wishes on “Happy Losar”, which has commenced and is marked with enthusiasm in Ladakh as new year. May this year, which has set in, bring happiness and well-being in everyone’s lives. May everyone’s wishes be fulfilled in this year.”
Ministry of Defence
Mission Sagar IV INS Jalashwa Arrives at Port Ehoala 
As part of Mission Sagar - IV, Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa arrived at Port Ehoala, Madagascar on 22 March 2021. The ship will deliver a consignment of 1,000 Metric Tonne of rice and 100,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets in response to an appeal made by Madagascar for assistance to deal with natural calamities.
An official ceremony for handing over the aid from the Government of India to Government of Madagascar was held on 23 March 2021. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Christian Ntsay, the Honb'le Prime Minister of Madagascar, Mr Jerry Hatrefindrazana, Governor of Anosy Region and Mr Georges MamyRandrianiaina, Mayor of Fort Dauphin . The Indian side was represented by Mr Abhay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Madagascar and Captain Pankaj Chauhan, Commanding Officer INS Jalashwa.
This is the second visit of an Indian Navy ship to the island country within a span of one year. Earlier, as part of Mission Sagar-I, In May-June 2020, the Indian Navy had delivered essential medicines to the nation. INS Jalashwa's visit is in keeping with India's response to the disasters that have struck Madagascar in the past year.
The outreach by the Government of India aims to help Madagascar tide over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and severe drought that they have been facing. ‘Mission Sagar’ builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries to battle the natural calamities and its resultant difficulties. The deployment also resonates the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries in the IOR. The operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, and other agencies of the Government of India.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh appreciates role of U.S. in countering terrorism
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz  and Maggie Hassan  called on Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Raksha Mantri expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the partnership between India and U.S. and discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral defence relationship. He termed U.S. as the world’s oldest democracy and one of the most important and trusted partners of India.
Saying that India - U.S. cooperation has seen tremendous growth in the last five years, Shri Rajnath Singh expressed hope that the strategic partnership will expand and flourish further in the coming years.
Raksha Mantri appreciated the role played by the U.S. in countering terrorism. He reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to work with the international community in combating the menace plaguing the world.
US Ambassador to India Mr Kenneth Juster and officials of Ministry of Defence attended the meeting.
SS/Nampi/Savvy/MTJ/ADA/Anand
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